The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

"It took almost eleven months before labor started. After two days of labor, the little one was finally born." The princess said with a smile, but she was also very anxious at the time, fearing that something might go wrong. Gao Xin was the first among the princess's grandchildren, and the whole family, including the then-living emperor, were looking forward to it.

"No wonder the little princess is so lively." Aunt Qiao understood perfectly well that it must have been quite frightening at the time, but she couldn't let Daiyu be scared now, so she made a joke.

"That's right, they say she's the reincarnation of Nezha," the princess laughed.

“Your Highness, there is absolutely no need to worry.” Upon receiving a glance from the Princess, Lady Luo immediately said, “Although Your Highness is slender, you have a waist and hips. As long as the child is not too big, it will not be difficult for you to give birth. Judging from Your Highness’s appearance now, the child should not be too big.”

Daiyu was indeed relieved after hearing this: "The Imperial Physician He from the Imperial Hospital, as well as the female physician sent by my aunt, have been very attentive to my diet and daily life. They have been watching over me, telling me what to eat and when to go for a walk. No wonder I should thank them now."

At this moment, the female physician Meng entered, carrying a packet of herbs. She bowed first and then said, "I made several trips to the clinic before finally finding a herb. It's a method from my hometown. Grind it into powder and apply it to the philtrum, and the woman won't faint. As Your Highness knows, women are most afraid of fainting from exhaustion during childbirth."

Seeing everyone's curiosity, he quickly added, "I've already had the Imperial Hospital examine it, and they confirmed there was no problem before they dared to bring it here."

Madam Meng is now very well-mannered. She knows that the Princess Consort is not an ordinary person and cannot use just anything. So after buying the herbs, she first handed them over to Physician He. Only after Physician He delivered them did she dare to take them.

Luo, who was standing to the side, leaned over to take a look and immediately said, "It's not a coincidence. This stuff is available in my hometown. It's hard to find, but it's very effective. To put it bluntly, the usual method is to force-feed a woman who has fainted during childbirth like a stimulant. But when she's already fainted, it's not easy to force-feed her medicine. This is much better."

The Princess was even more relieved when she heard that the Imperial Hospital had examined her and said she looked fine. She dismissed Meng and the others and said to Daiyu, "I think Yu'er's skin is very good, almost like fine porcelain, with a faint blush. It seems she has taken good care of herself. It's alright, don't worry."

Seeing so many people showing concern warmed her heart, and she nodded with a smile.

At this time, the Empress sent someone to deliver some things and inquire about Daiyu's condition. This was now a routine matter in the palace; the Empress would send someone to inquire about Daiyu's condition every day, showing her great concern.

The full moon celebration for the little princess in the palace was very lively. After all, the emperor was so concerned, so the royal family members and the noble ladies of the highest rank who were allowed to enter the palace to celebrate naturally had to show their great joy. Even the old Princess Chun sighed that this little princess was a lucky one. This event was in no way inferior to the full moon celebrations of the princes in the past.

However, the Eldest Princess did not arrive, and Consort Wu immediately understood: She had heard that the Eldest Princess adored the Third Prince's wife, and now she visited her daily. And now, the Third Prince, preoccupied with his wife's childbirth, had even neglected court duties—truly a laughingstock.

She wanted to see if the third son's wife could really give birth to a son.

It wasn't just Consort Wu who thought this way. Ever since they heard that Prince Yi was worried about his wife and had even stopped attending court, some uninformed court officials also felt that this prince was truly unreliable. To love a beauty more than the throne—how could this be allowed?

Everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and it wasn't until after the little princess's full-month celebration that people began to notice that war had broken out again in the southeast. Compared to the last time the imperial army went to war in a grand and imposing manner, with the Prince of Nan'an and the Duke of Zhiguo leading the troops, this time it was so quiet and unannounced. The unsuspecting court officials were first startled, and then they realized that the emperor had obviously planned this all along. Holding a full-month celebration for the princess was probably just a cover.

The second and fourth princes, belatedly realizing the situation, then felt that things might not be quite as they had thought. In particular, Prince Rui, Xiao Tingkai, when he went to the palace to pay his respects to his mother, Consort Wu, expressed his thoughts: "I have a feeling that the third prince probably knows about what happened in the southeast. He is in the Ministry of War, so it's impossible that he doesn't know."

Consort Wu belatedly realized, "So, the third prince really is at home with his wife?"

The mother and son exchanged a glance. Consort Wu immediately remembered the spies she had planted at Prince Yi's residence. After some effort, she learned that Prince Yi had long been absent from home, but since the Consort hadn't inquired, the spy hadn't thought to mention it. After all, the Consort had previously instructed that no information should be passed out unless someone actively inquired about it, unless the matter was urgent, to avoid inadvertently revealing their presence.

This arrangement was perfectly appropriate, but a servant, even if he acted as an informant, would not know what was crucial or not. Since the capital was currently at peace, he did not pass this matter on.

Consort Wu was furious and immediately summoned her daughter-in-law, Song Huilan: "Take some things and go to Prince Yi's residence to see if the third prince's wife is about to give birth?"

Since her maternal grandfather's family got into trouble, Song Huilan had had several unpleasant encounters with Xiao Tingkai. Seeing that Consort Wu ignored her, her daughter-in-law, and only thought of her now that something was wrong, Song Huilan was naturally unhappy.

"Now, even if the daughter-in-law goes, there's nothing she can do, right?" Song Huilan thought that Consort Wu was up to something bad.

Consort Wu's face darkened: "Where's your brain? Go and find out what the third son's wife knows about things in the Southeast. Don't worry about anything else."

Song Huilan's dissatisfaction and unhappiness grew stronger, but she dared not say more and could only agree.

When Song Huilan arrived and saw the Princess sitting with Daiyu, she immediately felt a little apprehensive. Not to mention, when she tried to inquire about the war situation at the front, she was turned away by the Princess without even having to ask Daiyu. She knew then that it was going to fail.

They had no choice but to slink back home.

After hearing Song Huilan's report, Consort Wu glared at her daughter-in-law: "You're really useless."

Half a month later, news came from the Empress's side: Princess Yi had gone into labor.

Chapter 167 Daiyu Gives Birth to a Daughter; Southeast Triumphs

Daiyu had only eaten a little breakfast that morning when she started experiencing labor pains. Meng Shi, Luo Shi, and the other midwives all began preparations. Gu Mama quickly sent someone to the palace to report to the Empress: This was something the Empress had instructed long ago, and it had to be reported immediately, even in the middle of the night.

Luo was very experienced and immediately said, "The princess has never given birth before. This is her first time giving birth. From the onset of labor pains to delivery, it is estimated to take about seven or eight hours. Everyone, please don't worry, and Your Highness can also relax."

Although Daiyu received repeated assurances from Physician He that the baby was in the correct position, and the Imperial Hospital had prepared several doses of qi-boosting medicine, as well as ginseng soup being simmered in the kitchen, and even some milder pills prepared by the Imperial Hospital so that the princess could take one when she felt weak.

Despite making countless preparations and knowing that most women in the world have to go through this ordeal, Daiyu still couldn't help but feel afraid when the moment actually arrived.

She trembled and mumbled, "Mother, Mother."

Just then, the eldest princess entered the room and immediately felt a pang of sadness, wanting to shed tears. Yu'er's mother was long gone.

The eldest princess immediately went inside, went straight to Daiyu's side, took her hand, and forced back her tears: "Yu'er, don't be afraid... good child, don't be afraid."

Madam Qiao, the eldest aunt, also arrived. Seeing that the maids, including Zijuan and Xueyan, were relatively calm, she felt much relieved.

No one expected that the Empress would come in person. The Empress did not allow anyone to announce her arrival. After entering, she first told everyone that they did not need to perform the proper etiquette. However, Madam Qiao still curtsied when she came up.

"How is Yu'er?" The Empress held Mrs. Qiao's hand and looked inside with concern.

Mrs. Qiao smiled and said, "I just asked, and the Princess Consort has just started labor. Everything is fine right now." Then she looked into the inner room and said, "The Princess Consort still has the strength to walk around inside for a bit. She will give birth when the time comes."

The fact that the Empress is here at this time, in any case, shows that she values ​​the third prince and his wife.

The Empress, being a woman after all, had no reservations and went straight in to see what was going on.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, the Emperor had left his trusted ministers to discuss the war in the southeast. Hu Delu, having received news of the Princess Consort of Yi's attack, hesitated for a moment before going in and whispering to the Emperor.

"It's really the right time," the emperor nodded, continuing to discuss important matters with his court officials. After the discussion, he dismissed everyone and then summoned Hu Delu to inquire about the situation.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has gone. She sent word that it may be a few more hours before she dies. The Princess Consort is doing well, so Your Majesty need not worry."

The emperor was still somewhat worried, but after waiting and waiting without any news, he couldn't help but think of his son in the southeast. It had been more than ten days since the war began in the southeast; by now, there should be new information coming in.

But even after dark, there was still no news.

Hu Delu had already instructed everyone to be careful and cautious, and not to make any mistakes at this time, or they would suffer a terrible fate.

The emperor had just picked up his chopsticks when dinner was served, and news arrived.

"Your Majesty, good news from the southeast!" The person who entered was none other than Qiao Yuji, the Minister of War and Xiao Tingjun's maternal uncle. Since the war began in the southeast, he, as the Minister of War, had been deeply worried, not to mention that his nephew had personally gone to the southeast.

These days, he has been voluntarily staying on duty, just in case something urgent happens. As soon as the good news arrived, he rushed to the palace.

The emperor put down his chopsticks, which he had just picked up, and quickly got up to take the yellow silk scroll bearing the news of victory. He was delighted upon seeing it and exclaimed "Good!" three times in a row.

"Excellent! The third prince has also become more capable. The generals at the front have commanded well. A generous reward is due." The emperor was radiant with excitement, pacing back and forth. It took him a while to calm down: This was his first victory since ascending the throne and the death of the retired emperor. To take the entire island nation at such a low cost was truly wonderful.

"Let's not rush into the matter of rewards. Summon the ministers of the six ministries immediately to discuss the future of the island nation." After calming down, the emperor felt that the matter of rewards should be discussed with the officials.

Qiao Yuji hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please have your meal first. There's no rush to discuss this. We won cleanly and decisively, so there's no need to worry."

The emperor glanced at the set imperial dishes, and Hu Delu, quick to understand, said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid the dishes are getting cold. This servant will have the imperial kitchen replace them."

The Emperor nodded, and Hu Delu hurriedly went out to give instructions. He then saw the little eunuch Qin Xi rushing over. Hu Delu had instructed him to keep an eye on the messages sent by the Princess Consort of Prince Yi's residence, so Qin Xi quickly stepped forward.

"Eunuch Hu, news has arrived from the Prince's residence. It says that the Princess Consort has given birth to a daughter. Should we report this immediately?" If it were a son, Qin Xi would not hesitate, but since it was a daughter, he didn't know if His Majesty would be happy to hear it. So he came to ask Eunuch Hu for his opinion first. This man is the Grand Eunuch and the one His Majesty trusts the most.

Upon hearing this, Hu Delu couldn't help but sigh: This girl is truly blessed with good fortune in her birth, and she really knows how to choose her time to be born. With the great victory in the southeast and the birth of a daughter by the Princess Consort of Yi County, this is double happiness.

"Just wait, you'll definitely be rewarded." Hu Delu smiled faintly, led Qin happy inside, and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, good news! Xiao Xizi just received news that Princess Yi has given birth to a healthy daughter, and both mother and daughter are safe and sound." Hu Delu congratulated the Emperor with a smile.

Sure enough, the emperor beamed with joy upon hearing this: "Good, very good. This child is blessed. Now that she knows her father has done a great job in the Southeast, she has rushed out to celebrate."

He glanced at Qiao Yuji, who was still standing to the side, and said, "Speaking of which, this child should call you great-uncle."

Qiao Yuji quickly congratulated the emperor, who was in a great mood. He then said, "According to the generational names, this child should belong to the Jia generation, so I will bestow upon him the name Jiayue."

Upon hearing this, both Qiao Yuji and Hu Delu sighed with emotion. Qiao Yuji sighed because it was clear that the emperor was truly pleased. In the past, whether a girl could use the same generational name as a boy depended entirely on the elders' wishes. The fact that a granddaughter and a grandson could use the same generational name showed how much the emperor valued the newborn.

Hu Delu lamented that after Princess Rui gave birth, it was only after the Empress reminded her that the Emperor bestowed a name upon the child.

The Emperor's next words shocked Qiao Yuji and Hu Delu even more: "As for the title, let's wait and see. Once her father returns, I will bestow the title upon him."

What does this mean? Qiao Yuji and Hu Delu were both quick-witted, so they couldn't help but think a little more: Logically speaking, the daughters of princes are all conferred the title of county princess. Could it be that His Majesty is going to establish a crown prince?

"The title will have to wait, but the rewards will be sent immediately." The emperor immediately gave the order. However, after the emperor finished listing a long list of rewards, Qiao Yuji and Hu Delu were almost certain that even if the crown prince was not appointed, the third prince would definitely be promoted to a prince.

Chapter 168 Generous Rewards Add to the Joy

Consort Wu and Prince Rui, who were closely monitoring the movements of Prince Yi's residence, were somewhat puzzled: if the emperor was pleased, why didn't he bestow a title upon the child? If the emperor was unhappy, why did he immediately name the child and use the character "Jia" (嘉), which is only used for male grandsons? Moreover, the numerous rewards bestowed upon him clearly indicated that the emperor liked the child.

The emperor immediately bestowed upon her a longevity lock, a gold bracelet with a rabbit zodiac sign, a rosewood scepter inlaid with jade and the inscription "Peace and Safety Every Year," a jade rabbit, and a string of multi-treasure rings with twisted rope patterns. These were clearly gifts for the newborn girl.

In addition, the emperor bestowed ten bolts each of lake satin, brocade, gauze, silk, cloud brocade, and Shu brocade, in a rich variety of colors, including rare shades such as hibiscus red, sky blue, jade white, shrimp green, goose yellow, vermilion purple, rosy clouds, and turquoise green.

In addition, there were Duan inkstones with the "Fortune and Prosperity for Generations" design, blue and white porcelain brush holders with landscape and figure designs, jade pen holders with lingzhi and children designs, and jade peach-shaped pen rests, among other stationery items. Everyone knew that Princess Yi was a talented poet, so the fabrics and stationery were all bestowed upon her.

Aside from the gifts bestowed that day, the Emperor's presence at the baby's third-day celebration, accompanied by the Empress, made it clear to everyone that the Emperor held the newborn girl of Prince Yi's residence in high regard.

The Empress first took the bright red swaddling clothes from the Princess's arms. The Emperor leaned over to take a look and saw that the baby was pink and white and delicate, with a little wet hair on her forehead. Especially her pair of obsidian-like eyes made the Emperor feel soft-hearted.

Then the emperor spoke up: "I'll hug you."

The Emperor has never held the daughter of Princess Rui. The last time he held a child was when the Sixth Prince was born.

After the emperor took the child in his arms, he gently lifted him in his hand and casually asked, "How much does the child weigh?"

The eldest princess answered on her behalf: "Five catties and six taels."

To his surprise, the emperor was displeased. He frowned and held his granddaughter even more gently: "How are the servants treating her? Why are they so gentle?"

The emperor remembered that his children used to weigh six or seven pounds at birth.

Upon hearing this, the eldest princess quickly smiled and said, "Imperial Physician He has already examined the baby's pulse. Although it is a little weak, the baby is very healthy. It is precisely because the baby is weak that the delivery went smoothly. We didn't even need to use the prepared herbal medicine before the baby was born."

The emperor then understood that the imperial physician was very dedicated, and asked the wet nurse if everything was prepared.

The emperor was so concerned because he felt that with the third prince absent and for important matters of the court, he, as the emperor's grandfather, naturally had to pay extra attention.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, all of this has been prepared long ago," the Empress said with a smile.

At this moment, the baby blew bubbles and even smiled at the emperor, which softened the emperor's heart even more. The emperor even asked the empress, "Doesn't it look like when the third prince was just born?"

The child is so tiny, how can you tell if he looks like her or not? But the emperor is in a good mood right now, so the empress smiled and said, "A daughter resembles her father, of course she does. I remember when the third prince was born, he was just this size too."

"Indeed, in the blink of an eye, the third son already has a daughter." The Emperor was quite pleased. Hearing from Granny Gu that the auspicious time for the baby's third-day celebration had arrived, the Emperor personally held the child and presided over the celebration with the Empress.

Afterwards, the Emperor inquired about the condition of Princess Yi with concern and instructed everyone to take good care of her before leaving. The Empress stayed behind, summoned Imperial Physician He, and gave him detailed instructions.

Princess Zuo Jiangqiu, who had already married the Fifth Prince, washed her hands before coming to see the child. She also gave the child a longevity lock and a pair of tiger-head shoes. Looking at the little child, she couldn't help but ask, "Why doesn't she smile at me? She just smiled at Father Emperor."

The eldest princess smiled and said, "She's so young and doesn't even have eyesight yet. She can't even see who's in front of her."

Zuo Jiangqiu played with the rattle drum for a while, and when he saw that the baby was about to close her eyes, he thought that she was probably tired after being carried out for so long, so he stopped playing the rattle drum.

"She's still so young; it'll be a long time before she grows up," Zuo Jiangqiu sighed.

Gao Xin, who was still a child herself, also came over to look at the baby. The Empress couldn't help but laugh when she saw Zuo Jiangqiu, who was lying next to the crib with Gao Xin.

The Zuo family's daughter was raised very well, but she was a bit childish. Even after getting married and becoming a princess, she still had an innocent and carefree attitude. This time, the great victory in the southeast was largely due to the contributions of General Zuo Qing. The Zuo family is now a force to be reckoned with.